Heather Rogers

Heather Rogers KC (3 June 1959 – 18 October 2023) was an English barrister known for her specialisation in media law.[1][2] She died from a pulmonary embolism at age 64.[3]

Along with Richard Rampton, she represented Deborah Lipstadt and her publisher Penguin Books against accusations from David Irving of libel after Lipstadt said that Irving was a Holocaust denier in her book Denying the Holocaust, in the case of Irving v Penguin Books Ltd.[4]

Early life and education

Heather Rogers was born in 1959 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom to George Rogers, a carpenter and construction worker, and Olga Ingram, a secretary.[1] She demonstrated academic proficiency early in her career and was educated at Wolverhampton Girls' High School.[1] Later, Rogers furthered her studies at the London School of Economics, graduating in 1980 with a first-class honors degree in law (LLB).[1] She was called to the Bar in 1983, achieving a notably high score.[1]

Career

Rogers' legal career was characterized by her involvement in major media law chambers.[1] She began her career under the tutelage of Geoffrey Robertson KC at Dr Johnson's Buildings, an appointment that broke the traditional Oxbridge recruitment trend.[1] Her professional journey included roles at Robert Maxwell's London Daily News, 10 South Square, Matrix Chambers, Doughty Street Chambers, and 1 Brick Court.[1]

In 2019, Rogers rejoined Doughty Street Chambers to lead the media team.[1]

As a legal practitioner, Rogers held positions as a bencher of Middle Temple and a recorder in the south eastern circuit, focusing on criminal cases.[1] She played a significant role in the development of the Defamation Bill, collaborating with Lord Lester of Herne Hill, which led to the Defamation Act of 2013.[1] This legislation introduced critical reforms, such as restricting libel claims by corporations and establishing a statutory defense for publications in the public interest.[1]

Throughout her career, Rogers was involved in several high-profile legal cases.[1] She represented defendant publishers in notable lawsuits, including Spycatcher, Esther Rantzen vs. Mirror Group Newspapers, and Elton John vs. MGN.[1] Her work in Derbyshire County Council v Times Newspapers set a precedent that government bodies cannot sue for libel.[1] Additionally, Rogers represented claimants in significant cases, such as Roman Polanski's libel action against Vanity Fair.[1]

Beyond her courtroom activities, Rogers was engaged in advocacy for free speech. She served as a trustee of Article 19 and was a director of the Campaign for Freedom of Information. Rogers also co-authored the legal textbook Duncan and Neill on Defamation.[1]

Personal life

Despite her professional accomplishments, Rogers maintained a connection to her working-class background.[1] She was married to Julie Edwards, a television and film producer, and enjoyed the arts, theatre, music, and spending time in Suffolk.[1]

Bibliography

• Duncan and Neill on Defamation (2020)

References

1. "Heather Rogers KC". 24 November 2023 – via The Times.
2. Baksi, Catherine (9 November 2023). "Heather Rogers obituary" – via The Guardian.
3. Obituaries, Telegraph (21 November 2023). "Heather Rogers, leading media and defamation lawyer who acted for Deborah Lipstadt against David Irving – obituary" – via The Telegraph.
4. "Julius debuts as solicitor-advocate". Law.com International.